Detroit auto show sees most attendance since 2003

General Motors CEO Mary Barra talks about the company's Corvette Stingray with Vice President Joe Biden during a tour of the North American International Auto in Detroit, Thursday, Jan. 16, 2014. Biden said the U.S. auto industry's resurgence since the 2009 federal bailout provides a strong basis for a Motor City recovery. (AP Photo/Carlos Osorio)

DETROIT (AP) — The North American International Auto Show says it had its biggest attendance in more than a decade for this year's event.

Organizers announced Sunday that attendance was more than 803,000. The last time the show broke 800,000 was in 2003, when it was more than 838,000. NAIAS Chairman Bob Shuman says in a statement that this year's event "was a special show, and everyone knew it."

Sunday was the last day for the show at downtown Detroit's Cobo Center. It began earlier this month, with press and industry previews. A black-tie preview featuring a performance by musician Sheryl Crow helped raise $4.8 million for children's charities.

A race-worthy Corvette, a sumptuous Mercedes C-Class and other glitzy models were among the eye-catching vehicles on display.